Hey guys, the NSAF Nike Elite Program recently reached out to an athlete that I coach. I was wondering if anybody knew any information about this program before my athlete pursued this too seriously. My athlete is just a sophomore but has been improving very fast and has a very bright future. Are there any downsides to the program? Could it potentially hinder future NIL deals? etc. Any help or info would be very appreciated!
I've talked to a few people in the Nike Elite program. It's something fun to do, but no real financial gain besides some freebies. Downside is that you have to run the Nike national meets, not New Balance. But obviously if you prefer to run the Nike meets anyway then its not a downside.
Yes, it seems like it would be hard to be in the Nike Elite program and then sign a NIL deal for actual money with another company. But how many high schoolers are signing NIL for real money? Brahe-Pederson, Engelhardt, Ritzenhein, not many. Your athlete would have to be a real superstar for New Balance or On to want to give them a bunch of money in high school.